The illusions are over as PWD Bamenda has succeeded Rangers International to represent the North West at this year’s Interpool tournament. It became public last September 8, 2002 when PWD Bamenda humbled Menchum Eagles of Wum 1-0 at the Mankon municipal stadium to qualify.
It was the return leg final of the North West division two championship as the away leg final dropped curtains with both teams drawing 0-0. On the strength of that victory, PWD now has the challenges to give Bamenda a first division side after years of crying in the rain since Free Boys F.C. got relegated.
The question on most lips however; is why PWD again? From the look of things the squad is the best among the lot that hardly convince doubting Thomases that time has come for the North West to welcome a new elite side. Experts and spectators found little to cheer during the championship but for the finals which featured PWD and Menchum Eagles as the best teams to watch. Come what may, PWD has a spirit that could make them unstoppable at interpools 2002. The team’s managers sound off that even if PWD is not the best, it is better than the squad that qualified for the interpools in Bamenda and Bafoussam two years ago. Players with the determination to turn full circle are; attackers like Tangye Godlove, Keullchaga Bakanen, Damue Emanuel, Nkambfu Gilbert and Mba William whose goalkeeping experiences are enriching. Fonguen Jude’s long stay at the defence also inspires confidence with Kamgue Justin and Ben Bola taking charge as trainers. Chief Issa Bongam funds and manages the team from a distance.
The best thing since the qualification of PWD has been the flood of good wishes and expression of support to take the team forward this time. On-the-spot when the team qualified on August 8, the new Minister of Transport, John B. Ndeh, donated CFA 500 000 to prepare the team for interpools. The President of Menchum Eagles, Shey Tobias also donated CFA 500 000 and Neba Ngu, a renown referee of yesteryears offered CFA 100 000.
